I think that some of the programs decision regarding deferment is financially driven by the institution. Accreditation standards only allow a certain number of students per cohort. If there are 50 seats in the program and your deferment brings them to 49 will they want to go to 51 the following year. They can't unless you first matriculate (at what point are you considered matriculated) and then decelerate (for medical reasons). It would be less of an issue if they budget for some attrition and include you in the next cohort numbers. You may need to show up to class on the first day and then take a medical leave.

It depends on why you are doing the test... what information you want to get from the test? If it is because of symptoms you can give the albuterol to see if the patient gets relief and then document the symptoms, the numbers may not or may not change. If it's because they have a history of asthma you may still get normal PFT results because asthma is episodic and reversible so they may not be having a problem currently

The are really two answers to the question. If you are really asking if it's possible with shadowing and/or volunteer hours then the answer is yet there are some programs that it is possible to gain entry, however, your choices will be limited. If you want the best chance to get in and more choices then compensated patient contact would be best. Most programs require 1000 hours or less. Some programs look at quantity and quality of the health care experience. Really the best answer is to look at the admission requirements for programs you would want to go to and see what their specific requirements are. This is an area that has many variations and is program dependent.

This is an argument I have with my dean frequently. One day a week of clinical practice does make up for some for the lower academic salary, however; to attract PA's from clinical practice to academics it needs to be better. My reasoning is that for many people either job brings essentially the same job satisfaction. Academia allows for a more flexible schedule however; if all other items of comparison are the same who wouldn't go for the higher salary?

This is a newer issue for many PA programs. I don't have all the details but I can fill in a few pieces. What you were told probably does have some basis in the interpretation of federal regulations regarding educational programs that cross state lines. Which is why you were told it was a "law". This has come to light because of the many on-line programs where you can live in one state and graduate from a college/university in another state. Many institutions fear losing federal funding if they are not in compliance with these federal regulations, so in order to avoid being out of compliance until this is all figured out many programs are just keeping all educational oppurtunities within their state boundries. I'm sure this is not permanent, however, who knows how long it will take to figure out the fix.

I was an RRT prior to PA school, and have been through the whole process. Your RT training will be helpful in the didactic year in so many more areas than just pulmonary. Which I would suggest you not taike with a grain of salt either. With your background you will have the most advantages in cardiac and respiratory sections but you will also have some basics in neuro, gi, heme/onc, peds, infectious disease, HEENT so you won't be starting from scratch but there is still much to take in. The areas which you will need to spend more time because of minimal exposure as an RT are things like rheumatology and musculoskeletal. If you've done any NICU you might have a better handle on labor/delivery but that may be it for women's health.
In the clinical year you will find you can learn things quickly because you have had experience with patient encounters and probably feel comfortable with talking to patients as well as physicians, so you can focus on the other things you need to learn.

Unless it has changed in the last year... NFPA 1582 states that there needs to be an annual medical review like vitals and a questionairre about changes in status. The physical need only be done every 3 years (18-29 yo) 2 years (30-39yo) then every year after 40. To keep it easier to keep track of we just did every other year until age 40 then every year after that.

I'm not sure where you found your information but you are correct it's a bit confusing or perhaps outdated.
Here is a quote from the NYS DOH website regarding PA prescription writing
http://www.health.state.ny.us/professionals/doctors/conduct/physician_assistant.htm
F. Prescriptions
In an outpatient setting, the PA may prescribe all medications, including Schedule II - V controlled substances, if delegated by the supervising physician. PAs may apply to the DEA to obtain their own, individual registration numbers as "mid-level practitioners." Once duly registered by the DEA, they may prescribe Schedules II, III, IV and V drugs, in compliance with Article 33 of the Public Health Law and Part 80 and Part 94.2 of Title 10 regulations. Such prescribing is also subject to any limitations imposed by the supervising physician and/or clinic or hospital where such prescribing activity may occur. PAs shall register with the Department of Health in order to be issued official New York State prescription forms. Official New York State prescription forms issued to the PA are imprinted with the names of both the PA and the supervising physician. If a PA utilizes an official prescription issued to a hospital or clinic, the PA must stamp or type his or her name and the name of the supervising physician on the official prescription.

glycogen,
You can actually fly right into Syracuse (SYR) although Rochester or Albany may be cheaper depending on the airline. The Syracuse airport is only 10 minutes from the college.
The snow usually isn't that bad. The road crews are used to keeping the "usual" snow fall off the roads and in good shape. Large storms are a bit different as it would be in any city. The weather is unpredictable that time of year, but it's never really kept anyone away from interviews (or stay longer than planned).

NY is not very restrictive. In fact I find the exact opposite, I have as much autonomy as I want. Much of the time my SP is not on site and available by phone. There are many practices in rural upstate NY where the physician shows up periodically to review charts. It depends on where you practice and who you are working for.

Honestly, it's doubtful. I am not the PD who would have the final say, but there was a mediocre size storm one of the days last year and we didn't cancel. I know we put a lot of time and effort to make these days happen. For instance I take time out of my clinic schedule to be there for 3 days, as do MANY other ADCOM members. I can't just reschedule my patients. There is no way we could replicate the interview process any other time.
Take time and drive safe. The good thing is once you get north of Maryland the highway departments are used to handling snow so the roads shouldn't be too bad for driving. I used to drive from Baltimore to Syracuse all the time so I know this for a fact.